Takeshi Nakazato depressed the brake pedal and felt the GT-R's powerful ABS take control, its Brembo calipers clamping down on massive cross-slotted rotors and hauling the lightened R34 down from high speed, letting him set up for the next corner."Grip, hold tight inside, full acceleration at exit going into third gear," Sayuki rattled off, and like clockwork the ominous black R34 GT-R cut the corner tight and exited under full throttle, Nakazato shifting up into third gear and reaching 160 kilometers per hour on the straight before the next corner approached. "Approaching car, three turns away," Sayuki reminded him. Nakazato nodded. She was good at spotting cars.

The R34 screamed through another corner, its powerful engine and fine-tuned suspension working in perfect harmony thanks to the lightened body. Sayuki glanced at the shining black rollcage inside the car that protected them and smiled."Hoshino was right about the cage. We've got much more chassis rigidity now," she said."Not a trace of understeer," Nakazato replied, balancing the car with the throttle as he roared through another corner.

"Do you think we'll be on time?" she asked, looking at her map and at the clock. Takeshi nodded and, soon enough, the GT-R's headlights revealed their destination. At the peak of Myogi, the various Gunma racing teams had arrived as requested. Team Thunder, the Night Kids, the revitalized Akina SpeedStars and the lone blue SilEighty of the former Impact Blue racing team were gathered at the peak, waiting for Nakazato and Sayuki's arrival."Waiting long?" Sayuki asked Mako as she stepped out of the R34."Not very. That's an impressive car," she replied, looking inside at the rollcage and gutted interior. "How's the SilEighty?""Good. It gets a little lonely at times, but Iketani keeps me company. It's fun always having someone to race against," Mako said, blushing slightly at the thought of Iketani's S13 spinning out the last time they raced. "Sayuki, what are we all here for?" Mako asked. "I got an invitation, but it just said the time and place. Is this a race?""No Mako, this is Nakazato's idea. Hurry up, he's about to talk," Sayuki replied, grabbing Mako's elbow and running over.

"Everyone!" Nakazato shouted over the roar of chatter, "Everyone!" The small crowd grew silent and focused on Nakazato."As you know, Project D has almost completed its undefeated tour of our country. Team after team has fallen to them. But we were never raced! We've fought against the RedSuns, and some of us have gone up against Akina's 86, but we've never had a chance to go against the twin aces of Project D. I think if Project D wants to claim the title and the legacy, they'll have to defeat the best of Gunma.""But they ARE the best of Gunma," Itsuki said from the back."We can do better," Takeshi replied quickly. "You see my car. My R32 was destroyed, but I now have an R34 GT-R, tuned by a man who almost defeated Takahashi Keisuke of Project D. This car, by his own admission, is more aggressive than his own. I've stripped down the GT-R and reduced its deadly weight to make it a true touge weapon. I will take on Takahashi Keisuke on the uphill, but I need a challenger for the downhill who can defeat Akina's 86. That's why I've called you here. We need a downhill expert."

The small crowd immediately began talking as each team claimed the title of fastest downhill, but the chatter slowed to a stop when a young man stood up in front of Takeshi."I know how to stop him," he said."What's your name?" Nakazato asked."Not important. My uncle is involved in the professional racing world. He can defeat Akina's 86.""That's a wild claim to make," Iketani said, stepping forward. "Fujiwara Takumi has incredible skill for any driver, and his 86 is powered by an engine unlike any other on the street. Your uncle would have to be a god to defeat him.""He's not a god, but he has something better," the no name young man replied. "He has the same engine."

***

Who is the mysterious challenger? Does he have the skill to beat the Downhill Specialist? Will Nakazato's plan of a Gunma Uprising topple Project D? Find out next fanfic, "Midship Monster!"

Writing a chapter can take as little as 20 minutes when I'm in a good mood with the Eurobeat blasting, to as long as two hours or more. Strategies and car details come fairly naturally to me as I've had a history with both. My last car was a Saturn Ion with over $6000 ($6325 to be precise) in modifications. My current car is a 2001 Mazda Miata MX-5 that I'm racing every month since I'm a member of the Sports Car Club of America. C-Stock kicks butt! Just can't modify the car too much and remain legal for the class.

I get a lot of inspiration by watching Initial D, so it's no surprise for me to be listening to Eurobeat on the laptop and writing while watching Stage 1,2,3, and 4 all in one day. It's a good environment to get immersed in.

FinToy-83, let me know if you ever get lotto numbers on that 8-Ball of yours.

Writing a chapter can take as little as 20 minutes when I'm in a good mood with the Eurobeat blasting, to as long as two hours or more. Strategies and car details come fairly naturally to me as I've had a history with both. My last car was a Saturn Ion with over $6000 ($6325 to be precise) in modifications. My current car is a 2001 Mazda Miata MX-5 that I'm racing every month since I'm a member of the Sports Car Club of America. C-Stock kicks butt! Just can't modify the car too much and remain legal for the class.

I get a lot of inspiration by watching Initial D, so it's no surprise for me to be listening to Eurobeat on the laptop and writing while watching Stage 1,2,3, and 4 all in one day. It's a good environment to get immersed in.

FinToy-83, let me know if you ever get lotto numbers on that 8-Ball of yours.

thats fairly quick. keep that eurobeat going. good luck with racing that mx-5, btw wat sort of racing is it?

you cant watch initial d stage 1->4 in one day, theres more than 24hrs of anime from se1->se4. ive tried that b4, took me 4 days as i couldnt do a full day marathon, though i did 7-8 hr marathon which seems to be my limit.